Israel Family Journey

ISRAEL FAMILY JOURNEY

Treat your family to Israel’s rich history, modern culture and natural beauty on an 8-12 day multi-generational tour with guaranteed dates offered during the summer and winter vacation seasons.

MULTI-GENERATIONAL

8-12 DAYS

OVERVIEW

Discover the very best of Israel on this pluralistic Jewish travel experience designed for everyone in the family and welcoming to all.

Our carefully crafted itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada, the Judean Desert, the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and Tel Aviv –with plenty of off-the-beaten-path discoveries and delicious meals your family will cherish along the way. Choose from a core 8-day or 10-day tour with an optional 2-day extension to Eilat and Petra. Guaranteed dates are offered over the summer and winter vacation seasons.

Israel Family Journey is a joint program of BBYO and Authentic Israel (prior involvement with BBYO is not necessary). The program is organized in-house by our staff and led by our elite guides and counselors, allowing us to provide you with a higher level of service, a truly educational experience, and an exceptional value.

Learn more about opportunities to celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah in Israel

Celebrating Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah

Traveling to Israel as a family is an especially meaningful way to mark a child’s coming of age. For those who wish to take part, there will be a brief and symbolic ceremony led by our staff in the Galilee (summer) or Masada (winter) to mark the occasion. This brief ceremony does not involve reading from the Torah, and no prior preparation is required. If you are interested in organizing a more traditional ceremony including Torah reading in Jerusalem or elsewhere, there are opportunities to do so before, during or after the tour.

Contact us for planning advice, if you wish to be referred to a local rabbi who can design and lead a ceremony that fits your own family’s vision, or if you are seeking “mitzvah project” ideas. Keep in mind that becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is simply about reaching this milestone age. No ceremony is required in Jewish tradition, and for many families, the mere act of traveling through the Land of Israel together is the most impactful way to celebrate this happy occasion. Mazal tov!

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are absolutely risk-free.

More Than a Tour

We understand that travel to Israel is unlike any other destination, which is why we offer so much more than expected.

Hands-on educational touring with a focus on more “experiences” and fewer museums

PROGRAM DATES

Israel Family Journey tour dates begin and conclude as follows:

Tour Arrival Date | The program begins at either 12:30pm or 6:30pm at our hotel in Jerusalem on Thursday. Travelers are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday to acclimate and participate in the early touring on Thursday – and an additional Jerusalem hotel night is available on Wednesday evening. A complimentary airport transfer is provided on Wednesday or Thursday for flights arriving between 6:00am and 4:20pm.

The 8-Day Program | The 8-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert and the Galilee – concluding as we arrive to Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Thursday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

The 10-Day Program | The 10-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee and Tel Aviv. An optional tour of Rosh Hanikrah & Acco is also available as an add-on. The 10-day experience concludes on Saturday evening. No hotel in Tel Aviv is included on Saturday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

The 12-Day Program | The 12-day itinerary covers Jerusalem, the Judean Desert, the Galilee, Tel Aviv, and Eilat. An optional tour of Petra and/or Rosh Hanikrah & Acco is also available as an add-on. No hotel in Eilat is included on Monday night unless it is requested as an extra booking.

COST

Early Bird Discount + Risk Free Registration = Act Now!

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are absolutely risk-free.

NOTE: A supplement of $200/person applies for August tour dates

Scroll right for 8, 10, and 12-day end dates.

8-DAY PROGRAM

CLASSIC HOTELS

Offered on ALL dates

PREMIUM HOTELS

Offered on limited dates

Base cost with double room hotel occupancy

$2,525/p

$2,850/p

Supplement for single room hotel occupancy

$700/p

$800/p

Discount for ages 13 and under sharing a triple or quad occupancy hotel room Hotels require two travelers 13 and under in a quad room

-$250/p

-$300/p

Supplement for room upgrade in JerusalemAlready included for quad rooms

$300/room

N/A

10-DAY PROGRAM

CLASSIC HOTELS

Offered on ALL dates

PREMIUM HOTELS

Offered on limited dates

Base cost with double room hotel occupancy

$2,875/p

$3,250/p

Supplement for single room hotel occupancy

$925/p

$1,100/p

Discount for ages 13 and under sharing a triple or quad occupancy hotel roomHotels require two travelers 13 and under in a quad room

-$400/p

-$450/p

Supplement for room upgrade in Jerusalem & Tel AvivAlready included for quad rooms

$500/room

N/A

12-DAY PROGRAM

CLASSIC HOTELS

Offered on ALL dates

PREMIUM HOTELS

Offered on limited dates

Base cost with double room hotel occupancyThe Petra Day Tour is extra

$3,525/p

$3,900/p

Supplement for single room hotel occupancy

$1,200/p

$1,375/p

Discount for ages 13 and under sharing a triple or quad occupancy hotel room Hotels require two travelers 13 and under in a quad room

Travelers are usually accommodated in separate groups according to their hotel package choice.

Rooming Notes

Israeli hotels follow specific rules regarding how many people and what ages can be accommodated in a given room. Israel Family Journey room sharing discounts reflect these hotel policies. Read these notes carefully when making your selections:

Triple occupancy rooms:

At least one full paying participant is required in the room for the children’s discount to apply (ages 13 and under only).

Triple rooms are typically standard size rooms and can be configured with either two twin beds and a roll-away bed or one queen-style bed and a roll-away bed.

No discount applies for triple rooms without a child who is age 13 and under, but in some cases, the room provided will be a larger-sized room.

Quad occupancy rooms:

At least two full paying travelers are required in a quad room for the discount to apply for children ages 13 and under. According to hotel rules, if there is only one child age 13 and under, two adjoining double rooms are provided instead, and no child discounts will apply.

Quad rooms are slightly larger than standard rooms, and they are subject to limited availability. Typical quad rooms have one bathroom and can be configured with either two twin beds and a two-person sofa bed or one queen-style bed and a sofa bed.Families of four who prefer more space or an extra bathroom should opt for two adjoining double rooms, however, no child discounts will apply.

For families selecting a quad room with two children ages 13 and under, they will be accommodated as follows:

Mount Zion Hotel*, Jerusalem (Classic) – Quad Room

Leonardo Plaza, Jerusalem (Premium) – Two Double Rooms

Crowne Plaza, Dead Sea (Classic) – Quad Room

Herods Hotel, Dead Sea (Premium) – Quad Room

Nof Ginnosar Hotel, Galilee (Classic) – Quad Room

Ramot Resort, Galilee (Premium) – Quad Room

Dan Panorama, Haifa (All) – Two Double Rooms

Herods Hotel, Tel Aviv (Classic) – Two Double Rooms

Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv (Premium) – Quad Room

Multiple rooms:Adjoining rooms will be requested for families booking more than one room. Interconnecting rooms can be requested but can not be guaranteed in advance.

Additional Hotel Nights

Do you plan to arrive in Israel early or extend your stay? Take advantage of our group rates at the Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat hotels. Rates below are valid through 2020 dates and include breakfast and our standard cancellation terms. Hotel extensions are subject to availability and can only be booked contiguous to the program itinerary. If we are using a hotel other than the ones noted below, we will provide you with the extension details for that hotel.Contact us to request a hotel extension once you have registered for the program

Classic Hotels

Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem

Double Room: $285/night

Single Room: $265/night

Triple Room: $440/night (Citadel Room)

Triple Room (at least 1 child age 13 or under): $340/night

Quad Room (must have 2 children age 13 or under): $480/night

Citadel Room Upgrade (already included with quad rooms): $100/night

Herods, Tel Aviv

Double Room: $265/night

Single Room: $240/night

Triple Room: $370/night

Triple Room (at least 1 child age 13 or under): $300/night

Quad Room: N/A

Executive Room Upgrade (not applicable for quad rooms): $100/night

Premium Hotels

OFFERED ON LIMITED DATES

Leonardo Plaza Hotel, Jerusalem

Double Room: $350

Single Room: $315

Triple Room: $480

Triple Room (at least one 1 child under 13): $420

Quad Room: N/A

Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Double Room: $360

Single Room: $340

Triple Room: $430

Triple Room (at least one 1 child under 13): $390

Quad Room (must have 2 children under 13): $505

Extension Hotels

Herods Palace Hotel, Eilat

Double Room: $310/night

Single Room: $290/night

Triple Room: $420/night

Triple Room (at least one 1 child under 13): $390/night

Quad Room (must have 2 children under 13): $480/night

NOTE: A $50 per night supplement applies for all room types over August dates

INCLUDED

Benefit from our no-hidden-costs approach so that you can enjoy your experience to the fullest. Review the official Prep-Trip Prep Guide for even more program information, and scroll to the bottom of the page for hotel package details.

What’s Included

Airport Transfer

An airport greeting and private transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is complimentary for travelers arriving by flight to Ben Gurion Airport on the:

First day of the program (Thursday) between 6:00am–4:20pm

Day before the program (Wednesday) between 6:00am–4:20pm

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Centrally located hotels with porterage included (view hotels)Classic and premium options offered on select tour dates

EDUCATIONAL STAFF

A licensed Israeli guide accompanies the group on 24 x 7 basis*A youth counselor joins groups with over 25 participants

TOURING BUS

Deluxe motor coach with AC and an experienced Israeli driverSaturdays in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are walking tour days

Two Meals Daily

Including tax and tips at restaurant mealsFor those adding the Eilat Extension, only breakfast is included

All Programming

Site entrance fees and all touring experiences noted in the itineraryA tour of Rosh Hanikrah + Acco is offered as an add-on to Day #10

Israel Sources & Resources Booklet

Applicable Taxes

*The Eilat Extension (i.e. Days 11-12) is generally not escorted apart from the optional Petra Day Tour.

What’s Not Included

Local medical insurance (optional)
Get peace of mind with a local health insurance policy and receive medical care without any co-pays, deductibles or paperwork. LEARN MORE.

Travel insurance (optional)Insure your investment, and plan ahead for the unexpected with a family travel insurance policy that covers children under age 18 for free when traveling with an insured adult. LEARN MORE.

Hotel Options

Travelers are usually accommodated in separate groups according to their hotel package choice. Our typical hotels are noted below, and in special circumstances, we may offer a hotel substitution of equivalent or better quality.

Classic Hotels

Offered on all Dates

4-star equivalent, centrally located hotels with more amenities and a pool.

Featuring a dramatic Old City view and located near the city’s main cultural attractions, the Mount Zion Hotel truly embodies a feeling of being in Jerusalem. The building dates back to the Ottoman-era and reflects an eclectic combination of cultural styles with a lush private garden and one of the best (seasonal) outdoor pools in Jerusalem. Room upgrades available.

Premium Hotels

Offered on Limited Dates

Mostly 5-star equivalent, centrally located hotels with premium amenities and a pool.

Perched at the crossroads of ancient and modern Jerusalem, the Leonardo Plaza features a spa complex, gourmet restaurants and breathtaking views as one of the tallest buildings in Jerusalem. Everywhere you want to be in Jerusalem is in easy walking distance from this classic Jerusalem luxury hotel.

Classic Hotels

Offered on all Dates

Nestled between the mountains of the Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, the Crowne Plaza Hotel features extensive spa and pool facilities along with access to the Ein Bokek beach. Best of all, your early morning ascent to Masada is conveniently just 15 minutes away.

Premium Hotels

Offered on Limited Dates

Nestled between the mountains of the Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, the Herods Hotel features extensive spa and pool facilities along with access to the Ein Bokek beach. Best of all, your early morning ascent to Masada is conveniently just 15 minutes away.

Classic Hotels

Offered on all Dates

Situated on Sea of the Galilee beachfront, Nof Ginnosar is located within the grounds of an active (and lush) kibbutz. This 4-star equivalent hotel features a lovely pool during the summer, an accessible beach and plenty of room to explore the uniquely Israeli phenomenon of modern kibbutz life.

Premium Hotels

Offered on Limited Dates

Located at the foot of the Golan and overlooking the magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee, Ramot Resort Hotel features indulging guest rooms surrounded by open lawns, breathtaking views, a swimming pool (in season), spa treatments, adventure trails and above all – first class service.

Classic Hotels

Offered on all Dates

Rising twenty-one stories high on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the Dan Panorama Haifa is situated near the Bahai Gardens and offers spectacular views of the Haifa Bay and Israel’s Mediterranean Coast below. The only Haifa hotel that’s a city landmark, the Dan Panorama Hotel is contemporary in style with spacious public areas and guestrooms featuring floor to ceiling windows.

Premium Hotels

Offered on Limited Dates

Rising twenty-one stories high on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the Dan Panorama Haifa is situated near the Bahai Gardens and offers spectacular views of the Haifa Bay and Israel’s Mediterranean Coast below. The only Haifa hotel that’s a city landmark, the Dan Panorama Hotel is contemporary in style with spacious public areas and guestrooms featuring floor to ceiling windows.

Classic Hotels

Offered on all Dates

Tap into the vibrant spirit of Tel Aviv at this beachfront hotel with direct access to the Mediterranean promenade and adjoining the Tel Aviv beachfront and marina. Take advantage of the hotel’s seasonal outdoor pool and deluxe amenities. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Tel Aviv — with late checkout included on Saturday!

Premium Hotels

Offered on Limited Dates

Tap into the vibrant spirit of Tel Aviv at this beachfront hotel with direct access to the Mediterranean promenade and adjoining the Tel Aviv Marina. Take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool (May-October) and deluxe amenities. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Tel Aviv — with late checkout included on Saturday!

Classic Hotels

Offered on All Dates

Close out your experience in Israel at resort accommodations located directly on the Red Sea beachfront of Eilat. The Herods Palace Hotel is one of Eilat’s classic luxury hotels and provides ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure.

Premium Hotels

Offered on Limited Dates

Close out your experience in Israel at resort accommodations located directly on the Red Sea beachfront of Eilat. The Herods Palace Hotel is one of Eilat’s classic luxury hotels and provides ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure.

ITINERARY

Israel Family Journey tells the story of Israel through the lens of Jewish history. We begin where it started in Jerusalem, we follow the path of the Exile to Masada and Galilee, and then we conclude in Tel Aviv celebrating the establishment of modern Israel.Actual itineraries and final hotels may vary only slightly and will be re-confirmed about two months prior.

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST ITINERARY

Summers in Israel tend to run hot, and our itinerary features more opportunities for swimming, a hands-on archeological dig activity, rafting on the Jordan River, and a longer stay in the Galilee.

VIEW SUMMER ITINERARY

Print this Itinerary

DAY 1 > THURSDAY:Baruch HaBah– Welcome to Israel!

Arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on your self-booked flightAn airport VIP greeting and complimentary transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is included for all travelers arriving between 6:00am and 4:20pm today and the day before

A complimentary “pre-tour” is available for travelers already in Israel from the night before* or travelers arriving to Ben Gurion Airport by 9:30am todayNotify us at least a month in advance if you plan to participate

Pick-up at 12:00pm from our Jerusalem hotel and travel to the bustling open-air Mahane Yehuda Marketplace for lunch on own

Discover the foundations of Jerusalem at the City of David archaeological park and navigate the Hezekiah water tunnel, fed by a natural spring (pack water shoes, and prepare to get wet!)

Evening: Get oriented over a welcome dinner at Joy Restaurant in the Mamilla Complex followed by the Tower of David Night Spectacular in the Old City

Visit the grounds of the Knesset – Israel’s Parliament Building — and stop for a photo-op at the famous National Menorah

Pick up new skills on Dig-for-a-Day – A hands-on archaeological workshop at Beit Guvrin National ParkLess active alternative: Tour of Tel Maresha and the Bell Caves

Travel deep into the Judean Desert for a camel riding adventure and a memorable desert tent dinner feast at Kfar Hanokdim encampmentCamel riding is limited to ages 5-67 according to Kfar Hanokdim’s rules

Descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, and check-in to our resort accommodations at Ein Bokek Beach

Visit the Ayalon Institute – Learn about the story of the Haganah and the quest to create a modern Jewish State at this secret ammunition factory

Tour the ancient port city of Jaffa and browse the Jaffa Flea Market

Continue on to explore Tel Aviv’s trendy Rothschild Boulevard, and view Independence Hall where the modern State of Israel was foundedIndependence Hall is currently closed for renovations and will re-open in 2020

Spend the rest of the afternoon celebrating the Tel Aviv spirit at the Nahalat Binyamin street festival and Carmel Market in the historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood

Program wrap-up and farewells on the beach

Option to attend an outdoor Kabbalat Shabbat (pluralistic) at the Tel Aviv Port

Evening: Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner experience as a group at our hotel

Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem

Classic Hotel

Featuring a dramatic view of the Old City and in close walking distance to the city’s main cultural attractions, the Mount Zion Hotel truly embodies a feeling of being in Jerusalem. The hotel dates back to the 19th-century Ottoman-era and reflects an eclectic combination of cultural styles with a lush private garden and one of the best (seasonal) outdoor pools in Jerusalem.

Leonardo Plaza Hotel, Jeusalem

PREMIUM HOTEL

Perched at the crossroads of ancient and modern Jerusalem, the Leonardo Plaza features a spa complex, gourmet restaurants and breathtaking views as one of the tallest buildings in Jerusalem. Everywhere you want to be in Jerusalem is in easy walking distance from this classic Jerusalem luxury hotel.

Crowne Plaza, Dead Sea

Classic Hotel

Nestled between the mountains of the Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, the Crowne Plaza Hotel features extensive spa and pool facilities along with access to the Ein Bokek beach. Best of all, your early morning ascent to Masada is conveniently just 15 minutes away.

Herods Hotel, Dead Sea

Premium Hotel

Nestled between the mountains of the Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, the Herods Hotel features extensive spa and pool facilities along with access to the Ein Bokek beach. Best of all, your early morning ascent to Masada is conveniently just 15 minutes away.

Nof Ginnosar Hotel, Galilee

Classic Hotel

Situated on Sea of the Galilee beachfront, Nof Ginnosar is located within the grounds of an active (and lush) kibbutz. This 4-star equivalent hotel features a lovely pool during the summer, an accessible beach, and plenty of room to explore the uniquely Israeli phenomenon of modern kibbutz life.

Ramot Resort, Galilee

Premium Hotel

Located at the foot of the Golan and overlooking the magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee, Ramot Resort Hotel features indulging guest rooms surrounded by open lawns, breathtaking views, a swimming pool (in season), spa treatments, adventure trails and above all – first class service.

Herods, Tel Aviv

Classic Hotel

Tap into the vibrant spirit of Tel Aviv at this beachfront hotel with direct access to the Mediterranean promenade and adjoining the Tel Aviv beachfront and marina. Take advantage of the hotel’s seasonal outdoor pool and deluxe amenities. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Tel Aviv — with late checkout included on Saturday!

Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Premium Hotel

Tap into the vibrant spirit of Tel Aviv at this beachfront hotel with direct access to the Mediterranean promenade and adjoining the Tel Aviv Marina. Take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool (May-October) and deluxe amenities. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Tel Aviv — with late checkout included on Saturday!

Acco (Acre) & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour (Optional)

A day tour of the Western Galilee is offered as an alternate to the final Saturday in Tel Aviv (Day #10). This optional tour covers the Rosh Hanikrah ocean caves and the ancient seaport of Acco – including the Templar Tunnels and Crusader-era castle. The tour starts in the morning at our Tel Aviv hotel and returns to Tel Aviv that evening in time for connecting flights back to North America or on to Eilat. The cost of the Acco & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour is $100 per person, and it covers all transportation and touring costs. Lunch is not included.

Eilat & Petra Extension (Optional)

Conclude your travels at the Red Sea resort city of Eilat (Days #11-12) – with the option to visit Petra, Jordan’s wonder of the world. The package includes two nights at a resort hotel with breakfast daily, round-trip domestic flights and all airport transfers. The Eilat extension is designed as a vacation package and is not guided. The guided day tour of Petra in Jordan costs an additional $375 per person. It includes round-trip transfers, entrance fees, border/visa fees (subject to change), tips, and lunch (not kosher).

DAY 10 > SATURDAY: Depart for Eilat

Evening: Travel on a domestic flight to Eilat

Arrive at Eilat Airport and transfer to our resort accommodations on the Red Sea

Breakfast & LunchHerods Palace, Eilat | Classic & Premium

DAY 11 > SUNDAY: Optional Petra Tour

Option #1: Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat and the Red Sea

Option #2: Guided day tour of Petra including lunch (not kosher)

BreakfastHerods Palace, Eilat | Classic & Premium

DAY 12 > MONDAY: Red Sea Relaxation

Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat and the Red SeaCheck-out is at 11:00am, however, guests will retain access to hotel facilities all day

Transfer from the hotel to the Eilat Airport for a domestic flight to Ben Gurion Airport*Accommodations are not included tonight unless otherwise requested (group rates available)

Breakfast

Herods Palace Hotel, Eilat

Classic & Premium Hotel

Conclude your travels in Israel at resort accommodations located directly on the Red Sea beachfront of Eilat. The Herods Palace Hotel is one of Eilat’s classic luxury hotels and provides ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure.

*EILAT FLIGHT LOGISTICS

The Eilat Extension (Days #11-12) begins with a 50-minute domestic flight from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on Saturday in the early evening (Day #10), and it ends with a return domestic flight on Monday. If you are departing from Israel immediately after the Eilat Extension, we encourage you to book an international flight that departs between 10:30pm (Monday) and 1:00am the next day (Tuesday).

Unless otherwise requested by the traveler, your domestic flight will be selected by our office according to a schedule that will bring you to Ben Gurion Airport’s international terminal 3-5 hours ahead of your scheduled international flight. If no such domestic flight exists we will contact you with alternate options. Domestic flight delays and airport transfer delays are infrequent but can occur. Any such delay resulting in a missed international flight is the responsibility of the traveler alone, and travel insurance is recommended accordingly.

If you are considering an international return flight that departs Ben Gurion Airport before 1:00pm, keep in mind that there are limited or no early morning flights from Eilat to Tel Aviv, and you will almost definitely need to spend the night before at a Tel Aviv hotel or at a hotel near the airport such as Sadot. Ground transportation is not provided by the program in such scenarios.

We can only book your domestic flights after we first receive your connecting travel plans. Since domestic flight availability is limited, we encourage you to send us your post-Eilat travel plans as soon as possible. If you have any questions about coordinating your international flights, please do not hesitate to contact us. Shortly before the start of the program, we will provide you with a logistics plan based on your personal travel arrangements to and from Eilat.

DECEMBER ITINERARY

Winters in Israel range from cool to mild, and our itinerary features extra time exploring Haifa, additional experiences in Jerusalem, and a ‘safari tour’ in the Hula migratory bird reserve.

VIEW WINTER ITINERARY

Print this Itinerary

DAY 1 > THURSDAY:Baruch HaBah– Welcome to Israel!

Arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on your self-booked flightAn airport VIP greeting and complimentary transfer to our Jerusalem hotel is included for all travelers arriving between 6:00am and 4:20pm today and the day before

A complimentary “pre-tour” is available for travelers already in Israel from the night before* or travelers arriving to Ben Gurion Airport by 9:30am todayNotify us at least a month in advance if you plan to participate

Pick-up at 12:00pm from our Jerusalem hotel and travel to the bustling open-air Mahane Yehuda Marketplace for lunch on own

Discover the foundations of Jerusalem at the City of David excavations

Evening: Get oriented over a welcome dinner at Joy Restaurant in the Mamilla Complex followed by the Tower of David Night Spectacular in the Old City

Rise early and summit Masada — Hike the Snake Path or take the cable cars

Explore and recount the story of Masada – Herod’s desert mountaintop fortress and the bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellionParticipants celebrating a B’nai Mitzvah have the opportunity to take part in a brief ceremony on the summit of Masada

Descend Masada via the cable cars and return to our accommodations

Experience the wonder of effortless floating on the Dead Sea while enjoying our deluxe resort hotel facilities (spa access is available for ages 16+)

Take a short nature walk to the desert oasis at Ein Gedi National Park and view wild ibex in their natural habitat (time permitting)

Travel northwards to the Galilee via the Jordan River Valley, part of the vast Syrian-African Rift

Check-in and dinner at our kibbutz-based hotel accommodations located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee

Visit the Ayalon Institute – Learn about the story of the Haganah and the quest to create a modern Jewish State at this secret ammunition factory

Tour the ancient port city of Jaffa and browse the Jaffa Flea Market

Continue on to explore Tel Aviv’s trendy Rothschild Boulevard, and view Independence Hall where the modern State of Israel was foundedIndependence Hall is currently closed for renovations and will re-open in 2020

Spend the rest of the afternoon celebrating the Tel Aviv spirit at the Nahalat Binyamin street festival and Carmel Market in the historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood

Program wrap-up and farewells on the beach

Option to attend a Kabbalat Shabbat in Tel Aviv

Evening: Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner experience as a group at our hotel

Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem

Classic Hotel

Featuring a dramatic view of the Old City and in close walking distance to the city’s main cultural attractions, the Mount Zion Hotel truly embodies a feeling of being in Jerusalem. The hotel dates back to the 19th-century Ottoman-era and reflects an eclectic combination of cultural styles with a lush private garden and one of the best (seasonal) outdoor pools in Jerusalem.

Leonardo Plaza Hotel, Jeusalem

PREMIUM HOTEL

Perched at the crossroads of ancient and modern Jerusalem, the Leonardo Plaza features a spa complex, gourmet restaurants and breathtaking views as one of the tallest buildings in Jerusalem. Everywhere you want to be in Jerusalem is in easy walking distance from this classic Jerusalem luxury hotel.

Crowne Plaza, Dead Sea

Classic Hotel

Nestled between the mountains of the Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, the Crowne Plaza Hotel features extensive spa and pool facilities along with access to the Ein Bokek beach. Best of all, your early morning ascent to Masada is conveniently just 15 minutes away.

Herods Hotel, Dead Sea

Premium Hotel

Nestled between the mountains of the Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, the Herods Hotel features extensive spa and pool facilities along with access to the Ein Bokek beach. Best of all, your early morning ascent to Masada is conveniently just 15 minutes away.

Nof Ginnosar Hotel, Galilee

Classic Hotel

Situated on Sea of the Galilee beachfront, Nof Ginnosar is located within the grounds of an active (and lush) kibbutz. This 4-star equivalent hotel features a lovely pool during the summer, an accessible beach, and plenty of room to explore the uniquely Israeli phenomenon of modern kibbutz life.

Ramot Resort, Galilee

Premium Hotel

Located at the foot of the Golan and overlooking the magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee, Ramot Resort Hotel features indulging guest rooms surrounded by open lawns, breathtaking views, a swimming pool (in season), spa treatments, adventure trails and above all – first class service.

Dan Panorama, Haifa

CLASSIC & Premium HOTEL

Rising twenty-one stories high on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the Dan Panorama Haifa is situated near the Bahai Gardens and offers spectacular views of the Haifa Bay and Israel’s Mediterranean Coast below. The only Haifa hotel that’s a city landmark, the Dan Panorama Hotel is contemporary in style with spacious public areas and guestrooms featuring floor to ceiling windows.

Herods, Tel Aviv

Classic Hotel

Tap into the vibrant spirit of Tel Aviv at this beachfront hotel with direct access to the Mediterranean promenade and adjoining the Tel Aviv beachfront and marina. Take advantage of the hotel’s seasonal outdoor pool and deluxe amenities. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Tel Aviv — with late checkout included on Saturday!

Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Premium Hotel

Tap into the vibrant spirit of Tel Aviv at this beachfront hotel with direct access to the Mediterranean promenade and adjoining the Tel Aviv Marina. Take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool (May-October) and deluxe amenities. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Tel Aviv — with late checkout included on Saturday!

Acco (Acre) & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour (Optional)

A day tour of the Western Galilee is offered as an alternate to the final Saturday in Tel Aviv (Day #10). This optional tour covers the Rosh Hanikrah ocean caves and the ancient seaport of Acco – including the Templar Tunnels and Crusader-era castle. The tour starts in the morning at our Tel Aviv hotel and returns to Tel Aviv that evening in time for connecting flights back to North America or on to Eilat. The cost of the Acco & Rosh Hanikrah Day Tour is $100 per person, and it covers all transportation and touring costs. Lunch is not included.

Eilat & Petra Extension (Optional)

Conclude your stay at the Red Sea resort city of Eilat (Day #11-12) – with the option to visit Petra, Jordan’s wonder of the world. The package includes two nights at a resort hotel with breakfast daily, round-trip domestic flights and all airport transfers. The Eilat extension is designed as a vacation package and is not guided. The guided day tour of Petra in Jordan costs an additional $375 per person. It includes round-trip transfers, entrance fees, border/visa fees (subject to change), tips, and lunch (not kosher).

DAY 10 > SATURDAY: Depart for Eilat

Evening: Travel on a domestic flight to Eilat

Arrive at Eilat Airport and transfer to our resort accommodations on the Red Sea

Breakfast & LunchHerods Palace, Eilat | Classic & Premium

DAY 11 > SUNDAY: Optional Petra Tour

Option #1: Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat and the Red Sea

Option #2: Guided day tour of Petra including lunch (not kosher)

BreakfastHerods Palace, Eilat | Classic & Premium

DAY 12 > MONDAY: Red Sea Relaxation

Relaxed day to enjoy Eilat and the Red SeaCheck-out is at 11:00am, however, guests will retain access to hotel facilities all day

Transfer from the hotel to the Eilat Airport for a domestic flight to Ben Gurion Airport*Accommodations are not included tonight unless otherwise requested (group rates available)

Breakfast

Herods Palace Hotel, Eilat

Classic & Premium Hotel

Conclude your travels in Israel at resort accommodations located directly on the Red Sea beachfront of Eilat. The Herods Palace Hotel is one of Eilat’s classic luxury hotels and provides ample opportunities for relaxation and leisure.

*EILAT FLIGHT LOGISTICS

The Eilat Extension (Days #11-12) begins with a 50-minute domestic flight from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on Saturday in the early evening (Day #10), and it ends with a return domestic flight on Monday. If you are departing from Israel immediately after the Eilat Extension, we encourage you to book an international flight that departs between 10:30pm (Monday) and 1:00am the next day (Tuesday).

Unless otherwise requested by the traveler, your domestic flight will be selected by our office according to a schedule that will bring you to Ben Gurion Airport’s international terminal 3-5 hours ahead of your scheduled international flight. If no such domestic flight exists we will contact you with alternate options. Domestic flight delays and airport transfer delays are infrequent but can occur. Any such delay resulting in a missed international flight is the responsibility of the traveler alone, and travel insurance is recommended accordingly.

If you are considering an international return flight that departs Ben Gurion Airport before 1:00pm, keep in mind that there are limited or no early morning flights from Eilat to Tel Aviv, and you will almost definitely need to spend the night before at a Tel Aviv hotel or at a hotel near the airport such as Sadot. Ground transportation is not provided by the program in such scenarios.

We can only book your domestic flights after we first receive your connecting travel plans. Since domestic flight availability is limited, we encourage you to send us your post-Eilat travel plans as soon as possible. If you have any questions about coordinating your international flights, please do not hesitate to contact us. Shortly before the start of the program, we will provide you with a logistics plan based on your personal travel arrangements to and from Eilat.

FAQS

You have questions? We’ve got answers! Our most frequently asked questions are answered below, and you can access the official Pre-Trip Prep Guide for even more background about the tour. Contact usif you have additional questions.

How do the 8, 10 or 12-day options work?

The program is offered as an 8-day, 10-day or 12-day experience, but everyone travels as part of one group regardless of the duration chosen. The 8-day experience ends as we arrive to Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. The 10-day experience includes touring in the Tel Aviv region on the final Friday and Saturday, with two overnights at a beach-side hotel in Tel Aviv. The 12-day experience includes two nights and two days at the Red Sea resort city of Eilat with an optional day tour of Petra offered. No hotel overnights are included on the final day of the program unless arranged with us separately.

Although not formally offered, a 9-day program is possible including a full day of touring in Tel Aviv on Friday. Contact us for additional details.

Who staffs the tour?

The program is led by an experienced, licensed Israeli guide who is with the group on a 24/7 basis. Your guide will be fluent in English and deeply knowledgeable about the history, culture, environment, and landscapes of Israel. Our guides are charismatic educators with expertise in informal education — many of them also guide our BBYO teen groups. If your group has over 25 travelers, your tour will also be accompanied by an Israeli counselor who focuses on the experience of younger participants and provides additional support to the group in general. Finally, our travel takes place on a spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned bus with a dedicated driver.

NOTE: The Eilat Extension (i.e. Days 11-12) is generally not escorted apart from the optional Petra Day Tour.

How active is the touring?

Because we want you to get the most out of your time in Israel, our touring days are full, and there is quite a bit of travel by foot. While none of the walks are strenuous, you will find at the end of the day that you have taken a large number of steps! Be prepared for an average of 3-4 hours of walking a day over all manner of surfaces (cobblestones paths, nature trails, and uneven walkways, etc.). Additionally, the weather in Israel is warm, particularly over the summer, and the sun is more intense than you may be used to at home. When necessary, we will adjust the itinerary for your comfort, and you’ll find that most days have opportunities to cool down with swimming or getting wet in general.

NOTE: Travelers who wish to take a break can opt-out as needed after coordinating with the guide, and in some cases, we offer less active programming alternatives for those who wish. Travelers requiring walking support or with mobility constraints will not be well accommodated on this program.

How can I incorporate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah as part of the experience?

Traveling to Israel as a family is an especially meaningful way to mark a child’s coming of age. There will be a brief ceremony led by our staff in the Galilee to mark the occasion for those who wish to participate (scheduled during free time). No preparation is required before the tour, and there is no extra cost. If you are interested in organizing a personalized ceremony, there are opportunities to do so before, during or after the tour.

Contact us for planning advice, if you wish to be referred to a local rabbi who can design and lead a ceremony that fits your own family’s vision, or if you are seeking “mitzvah project” ideas. Finally, keep in mind that becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is simply about reaching this traditional Jewish milestone age. No ceremony is required by Jewish law, and for many families, the mere act of traveling through the Land of Israel together is the most appropriate way to celebrate this happy occasion. Mazal tov!

What's the age composition of the group?

Groups are comprised of families spanning three generations and couples traveling without children are welcomed as well! Because of the active nature of the program, children traveling with their parents are typically age 8 or older. Group sizes typically range from 15 to 40 travelers max, and average group size is 25-30 travelers.

How is this a Jewish experience?

Israel Family Journey is a pluralistic Jewish travel experience open to all. Group meals are kosher, and there is no bus-based touring on Shabbat. The program is unaffiliated with any specific approach to Judaism. Travelers arrive with varying degrees of Jewish affiliation, and non-Jewish family members and friends are welcomed. Our goal is to provide a complete first-time experience in Israel through the lens of Jewish history and identity.

How much of a group experience is this?

Our goal for the program is to create a sense of community among individual travelers – with participants gaining lasting new friendships and a richer experience as a result. There are also ample opportunities for personal exploration during the tour and many of the dinners are intentionally left free. In particular, Saturdays are designed to be less structured, and no programming is mandatory on any day. Participants are encouraged to arrive in Jerusalem earlier or stay in Tel Aviv longer to explore even more on their own. Group hotel reservations can be extended accordingly.

How all-inclusive is the experience?

In short, you’re responsible for arranging your own flights to and from Israel, and we take care of most everything else! The program covers two meals a day, all touring, a fantastic staff team, hotel accommodations including luggage porterage, and deluxe motorcoach transportation. An airport greeting and roundtrip airport transfers are offered on the arrival day, the day before the arrival day, and on the final evening of the program (see below for full details). You’ll be responsible for one meal a day, specialty beverages at group meals, and staff gratuities.

How are special dietary needs accommodated?

Be sure to note any special dietary needs as part of your registration. We will coordinate with our hotel and restaurant meal providers to arrange special accommodations as necessary. We make a good faith effort to accommodate food allergy considerations, however, we can not make absolute guarantees on behalf of our meal providing partners.

What's the suggested staff gratuities?

You’ll soon discover that our staff pours their hearts into the success of your experience, and at the end of the tour, providing a cash tip (dollars or shekels) is a customary and thoughtful gesture. Although the amounts and allocation are ultimately at your discretion, we recommend budgeting for a tip pool of $100-$150 per adult traveler to be divided as follows:

1/2 for the guide

1/4 for the driver

1/4 for the counselor (if applicable)

How do I get ready for the trip?

Take a moment to review our Pre-Trip Prep Guide. Luggage tags are distributed approximately a month prior to arrival, and you’ll also be invited to a program Facebook group to connect with fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch afterward.

How should I arrange my travel to and from Israel?

Basic guidelines for planning your travel to/from Israel are summarized below. More detailed advice is contained in the Pre-Trip Prep Guide. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or for advice on booking flights.

TRAVEL TO ISRAEL

All participants are expected to make their own air travel arrangements to and from Israel (book your flights via a travel agent). The only international airport in Israel is “Ben Gurion” (airport code: TLV), located just 40 kilometers from Jerusalem (approx.25 miles) and 15 kilometers (approx. 9 miles) from Tel Aviv. Non-stop flights are available from several major North American cities, including NYC, DC, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, Miami, and Toronto. Many connecting flight options are available via Europe.

An airport greeting and a private transfer to our Jerusalem hotel are complimentary for anyone arriving at Ben Gurion Airport by flight as follows:

The first day of the program (Thursday) between 6:00am and 4:20pm

The day before the program begins (Wednesday) between 6:00am and 4:20pm

NOTE: The transfers are private for Israel Family Journey travelers with a maximum wait time of 30 minutes if travelers on multiple flights are to be accommodated together. Due to logistical considerations, this transfer service is only available to travelers arriving at the airport by flight.

Those travelers arriving outside of these covered times can receive the same airport greeting and transfer service to our hotel in Jerusalem for an additional fee depending on the size of the party (note: the cost of a standard taxi to Jerusalem is $80-$100)

Travelers arriving at Ben Gurion Airport after 4:20pm on the first day of the program will likely miss the welcome dinner and programming this evening and will be responsible for their own transportation to the restaurant. We do not recommend it!

Those travelers arriving in Israel early (which we recommend for acclimating in advance of the tour) can be accommodated by prior arrangement at the Mount Zion Hotel in Jerusalem based on our group rates, which includes breakfast and our standard cancellation terms.

TRAVEL FROM ISRAEL

At the end of the core program (Thursday or Saturday night), participants will be escorted back to Ben Gurion Airport in time for overnight flights departing between 10:30pm and 1:00am the next day. No hotel is included this evening unless arranged separately.

Participants booked on return flights outside of this window can be accommodated with an airport transfer by special arrangement, and additional fees will apply (note: taxis from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport are inexpensive, ubiquitous, and reliable).

Those travelers extending their stay in Tel Aviv can be accommodated at the Crowne Plaza Beach Hotel based on our group rates, which include breakfast and our standard cancellation terms.

TRAVEL WITH THE EILAT EXTENSION

For those taking part in the Eilat Extension, we will arrange your connecting domestic flight from Eilat back to Ben Gurion Airport according to your connecting flight departure time. We encourage you to book an international flight that departs between 10:30pm and 1:00am the next day. If you are booked on a flight that departs Ben Gurion Airport after 1:00am you will likely need to spend the night at an airport hotel (additional cost applies) or make separate arrangements.

Those travelers extending their stay in Eilat can be accommodated at the Herods Palace Hotel based on our group rates, which include breakfast and our standard cancellation terms

Can I have a professional book my flights?

Yes! Get all the peace of mind from having a professional travel agency book your international flights without paying a premium. Get started at www.authenticisrael.com/flights.

What are the passport and visa rules for Israel?

Check to make sure that you know where your passport is and that it is not expired or about to expire. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Israel. If your passport expires within this period, please start the renewal process today. Many airlines will deny you boarding if your passport is not valid according to this policy. If you are traveling to Israel on a USA, Canadian, or European Union member country passport, a visa is not needed to enter Israel. If you are traveling on a passport from another country, you may need a visa to enter Israel. If needed, our office is able to provide you with a program participation letter.

NOTE: If you’re including the Petra in your travels with us, a Jordanian visa and all border crossing fees are included as part of the day tour package.

How do we approach safe travel in Israel?

Safe travel in Israel has been our guiding consideration for decades. We appreciate the responsibility that travelers entrust in us, and we care about your well-being in Israel like family. Key security-related protocols that we follow include:

Traveling on private transportation only

Traveling with a licensed Israeli guide at all times who has been trained in security response

Avoiding travel to areas of heightened concern

Use of hotels with a guard and a secure area

24/7 support from our headquarters office in Israel

Close coordination with the Israeli security services via the “Situation Room”

Willingness to modify our programming, staffing structure, and/or overall protocols as needed based on actual conditions where we travel in Israel.

Finally, in the rare event of an acute security event in Israel, we have issued full refunds at our own discretion in the past, and we will continue to do so in the future should we deem the situation appropriate.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our approach to providing travel experiences which are safe, meaningful and joyous.

REGISTER

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person discount. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are risk-free.

UPDATE | For the duration of the public health emergency, program deposits are fully refundable until 45 days prior to your scheduled start date. Learn moreand look ahead to a brighter future with confidence.

Enrollment Terms

Be sure to review these simple enrollment steps and terms

To reserve your spot, a $250/person deposit is due at the time of your registration (all program costs are listed in US Dollars)

The deposit is fully refundable up to four months in advance of the program start date, after which it is non-refundable

The balance is due no later than two months in advance of the program start date, after which it is non-refundable

Cancellation notifications must be made in writing to Authentic Israel, and we encourage you to obtain travel insurance

A late registration fee of $50/person applies for enrollments within two months of the program start date

Payment for the deposit may be made by check or credit card, and no credit card fees apply

Payment for the balance of program costs may be made by check or credit/debit card, however, a 3% processing fee applies for credit/debit card payments, and credit card fees are not refundable

All program dates are guaranteed, however, participation is subject to limited availability

Authentic Israel and BBYO reserve the right to deny acceptance on the tour according to their discretion

Special terms apply to the Rosh Hanikrah & Acco Day Tour and the Petra Day Tour as follows:

Day tour availability is guaranteed up to 60 days prior to the program start date; within 60 days of arrival availability is not guaranteed

Participants withdrawing from a day tour within 60 days of the program start date will receive a 50% refund provided a cancellation notification is made in writing to Authentic Israel at least five days in advance of the day tour

*Our travel insurance policy must be issued before final payment is made. Some benefits are only available if the policy is purchased within 21 days of your initial registration.